LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2024

EDITOR’S NOTES

Brighten Up for Spring

When it comes to temperatures and snowfall, I think we can all agree that we’ve had a pretty easy ride this winter. But the lack of sunny days has truly been a grind. We aim to brighten up your line of sight with this new issue of Food & Drink . Bold colours, fresh recipes and trending drinks fill the pages—we hope it all serves as a pleasant distraction while the days grow progressively longer, and the sun starts to make regular appearances. Even after a mild winter, everyone can use a hit of colour. Turn to page 66 for an array of gorgeous spring dishes each delivering its own wallop of colour and brim ming with the tastes of the season. One colour story just didn’t feel like enough this year, so in “Made in the Shade” (page 85) we leaned in on pretty pastel hues of pink and orange and created dishes (and a drink too!) to brighten up any table. Don’t miss the Raspberry-Rhubarb Pop-Tarts, they’re easier to make at home than you think. Of course, our palates change as we ease out of winter. We’re craving lighter, brighter, fresher foods, and that also translates to drinks. On page 33 you’ll find four refreshing cocktail recipes that are all lighter in alcohol but don’t sacrifice taste or texture. Then, in “Shift into Spring,” we suggest moving those heavier winter wines to the bottom of the wine rack and offer up “juicy,” fruit forward and food-friendly varietals that are just right for the season—plus we’ve created an ideal dish to serve alongside them. The story starts on page 91. With every new year we always turn our eye to what’s trending in the world of food and drink. Some of our

cocktails, indigenous wine grapes and so much more to help keep you in the know. And speaking of being in the know, we introduce a new back page feature with this issue where we spotlight an Ontario chef or bartender and ask them to share their favourite spots to eat and drink on their days off—a great excuse to plan a spring road trip and a handy guide as you travel around the province. From lemons (page 39) to tequila (page 55) to a grilled Easter (or any occasion) menu on page 47, we think this issue has some thing for every mood and occasion the new season brings.

discoveries are in “Notable Nibbles” on page 78. Our Food Editor, Eric Vellend, dug in on the most viral social media trends and has come up with Food & Drink -approved recipes worthy of being in your own feeds. Then, in “Mixed Drinks” (page 72) we explore new flavours coming to shelves, plus beer

COMING SOON Watch for the next issue of Food & Drink . Our Early Summer issue will be in stores and online Wednesday, May 8th.

JODY DUNN Editor, LCBO Food & Drink

@lcbofoodanddrink

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES TSE

12 FOOD & DRINK SPRING 2024